Overview
The arrival of quantum computing is no longer a question of if, but when. As quantum technologies advance, today’s encryption methods face increasing risk, particularly from “harvest-now, decrypt-later” (HNDL) attacks, where sensitive data is collected today to be decrypted in the future.
QUEST is a large-scale deployment and scale-up project addressing this challenge by bringing quantum-secure communication out of the lab and into real-world infrastructure. Led by Q*Bird, in collaboration with Eurofiber and Single Quantum, the project focuses on building scalable, multi-user quantum secure networks across the Netherlands.
At its core, QUEST enables secure multipoint-to-multipoint communication across multiple organisations, creating a foundation for operational quantum-secure connectivity and future quantum networks. By combining quantum network technology, advanced photonics and fibre infrastructure, QUEST is laying the groundwork for a future-ready quantum communication backbone aligned with EuroQCI ambitions.
Partners
Q*Bird
Q*Bird leads the project. With their Falqon® Series, they currently offer the world’s only commercial MDI-QKD solution. Their systems form the backbone of the network and enable secure communication between multiple users.
Single Quantum
Single Quantum provides the precision hardware at the heart of the detection system: superconducting single-photon detectors with unrivalled detection efficiency and timing precision.
Eurofiber
Eurofiber delivers the infrastructure: fibre-optic connections made quantum secure. With over 75,000 kilometres of fibre and eleven data centres, their open digital infrastructure offers the scale, reliability and openness needed to integrate quantum technology into today’s digital ecosystems.
Disclaimer
This project is financed by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), Kansen voor West and Co-Financed by the European Union.
Objectives
- Deploy an expandable MDI-QKD network enabling secure multipoint communication across organisations
- Integrate quantum security into existing fibre infrastructure without disrupting operations
- Enable scalable, multi-node quantum secure networks aligned with EuroQCI ambitions
- Support the development of future quantum networking capabilities
Deployment Highlights
- Multi-city quantum network – A scalable MDI-QKD network connecting Rotterdam, Delft, Hoofddorp and Amsterdam, forming one of the first multi-node quantum secure networks in the Netherlands
- Center Hub architecture – Deployment of multiple QKD Central Hubs and End Nodes, enabling secure key exchange across multiple routes
- Path diversity and resilience – Network design eliminates single points of failure through redundant paths and distributed hubs
- Operational integration – Seamless deployment on Eurofiber’s fibre infrastructure without disrupting existing IT systems
QUEST network deployment across the Netherlands
QUEST deployments span multiple locations across the Netherlands, connecting data centres, operational environments and critical infrastructure through a scalable quantum secure network.
Technology and Innovation
QUEST is built on Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), enabling:
- Secure communication without trusted nodes
- Protection against detector side-channel attacks
- Scalable, multi-user network architectures
The project advances novel MDI-QKD network designs, allowing flexible and arbitrary network topologies that go beyond traditional point-to-point quantum communication systems.
News and Updates
Stay up to date with the latest developments from the QUEST project, including deployments, milestones and insights.
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